Ways to wear: bowling shirts

Style Advice |
Sam Higgins
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Bowling, Cuban or revere-collared shirts — call them what you want, but there's no denying the silhouette has become one of this year's most popular pieces. The '50s-influenced cut might be a contemporary take on your standard button-up, but the shirt offers a surprising amount of versatility compared to its smarter siblings. Here are three simple ways you can keep it looking fresh all year round.

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Surf rat

Moving away from its tailoring traditions, this slinky, 2016 iteration of the revere-collared shirt boasts less of a formal feel and more grungy goodness. Nailing the surf-rat feel means mismatching patterns and fits, while adorning them in a touch of this year's favorite pattern (camo) and tone (blush). Throw the pink, striped shirt over a contrasting camouflage tee, with raw-hem, ripped jeans and classic black Vans for an added skater-boy feel.

Picture: ASOS

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'70s haze

Its statement status may demand a place at the forefront of your getup, but the bowling shirt can perform equally effectively as a layerable component in a tidy 'fit. With that in mind, don a short-sleeved shirt in leopard print to carry over the grungy feel but, this time, tuck it into a pair of smart, pastel-pink pants. Varying the textures, pop a red, velvet souvenir jacket over the top to add a tonal touch that allows the shirt to subtly shine.

Picture: ASOS

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Scandi smart

With oversized fits the cut of choice this year, you can't go wrong with a revere-collared shirt that references the classic, boxy, '50s silhouette. Instead of covering it in bold prints, though, give the lightweight shirt a Scandi update by keeping the tones clean and neutral with just a simple floral pattern for detail. Minimalism is key, so layer a beige, long-sleeved tee beneath and, below the belt, throw on some black pants, before pin-rolling them to show off a monochromatic mix of gray socks and black Kickers.